The K2 Crisis

Posted on Sep 07, 2016

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What is K2?

K2 (or “Spice”) is a fully-synthetic drug distributed as a marijuana knock-off. Some users take the risk of smoking K2 because it mimics the effects of marijuana but doesn’t show up on traditional drug tests. Synthetic drugs like K2 and “bath salts” had been sold in smoke shops and convenience stores around the Austin area, but the Drug Enforcement Administration began heavily regulating this market. Since the federal bans were enacted, manufactures in countries like China have been working to create new, slightly different strands of K2 and bath salts to bypass these new laws and enter the American market.

K2 overdoses plaguing Austin

Austin-Travis County EMS has reportedly responded to more than 90 K2 overdose incidents in a single week. This spike in K2 treatments is previously unheard of in the Austin area, and the implications are frightening for future use. Infinite Recovery takes an in-depth look at the K2 overdoses plaguing Austin.

K2 takes over Austin

On August 25 alone, Austin police reportedover 20 patients treated for K2 overdose symptoms all near the intersection of East Seventh and Red River streets. K2 overdose symptoms include elevated heart rate, hypothermia, seizures, hallucinations, paranoia, nausea, unconsciousness, and death in some cases.

Across the nation

Austin is not the only city being plagued by K2. In July,33 people were taken to Brooklyn hospitals for K2 overdoses. Los Angeles has seen a recent spike in synthetic drug overdoses as well, with50 people in the Skid Row area seeking medical attention in mid-August.

Infinite Recovery is well aware of K2’s serious side effects and wants to help those affected by the K2 overdoses plaguing Austin. If you or someone you love has been using K2, contact the team of professionals at Infinite Recovery at (844) 206-9063 or apply online. We’re here to help you start living your best life.